How to Boost Libido Naturally
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
Low libido is one of the most common yet least discussed health concerns — affecting both women and men across all age groups. In traditional Chinese medicine, sexual desire is governed primarily by the kidneys — the organ system that stores jing (reproductive essence) and kidney yang (the warm, activating energy that drives vitality and desire). When these are deficient, libido declines along with energy, warmth, and reproductive capacity generally.
Causes of Low Libido
Physical causes include hormonal imbalance (low testosterone, low oestrogen, elevated prolactin, thyroid dysfunction), chronic fatigue and burnout, pain during sex, and medication side effects (particularly antidepressants and hormonal contraception). Psychological causes include stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and body image concerns. In TCM, most cases involve some combination of kidney yang deficiency, liver qi stagnation, or blood deficiency.
TCM Patterns
Kidney yang deficiency — the most common pattern — produces low libido alongside cold extremities, low energy, poor motivation, and a cold lower back. Liver qi stagnation — driven by stress and emotional tension — produces a libido that fluctuates with mood, alongside irritability, PMS, and a tendency to withdraw from intimacy when overwhelmed. Blood deficiency produces low libido alongside fatigue, pallor, and a generally depleted, dry quality.
Treatment
For kidney yang deficiency, warming herbs including Yin Yang Huo, Ba Ji Tian, and Tu Si Zi tonify the kidney yang and restore vitality. You Gui Wan is the classical formula for this pattern. For liver qi stagnation, Xiao Yao San relieves the constraint. Acupuncture tonifies kidney yang, moves liver qi, and nourishes blood — addressing whichever combination of patterns is present. I prescribe pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
To discuss low libido, contact me or book a consultation in Wokingham.
